Directed By: Marc Forster

Runtime: 116 minutes

Studio: Par.

Total Box Office: 202.4 MIL

MPAA Rating

PG-13

The movie World War Z is based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks, son of Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft. However, if you’ve read the book – and see the movie – you’ll find out that they have about as much in common wirh each other as an orange and a pear. Sure they both have seeds, in the case of the book and movie, of truth, but they taste and look much different.

The movie World War Z tells the story of United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

Originally slated for a fall 2012 theatrical release, the film’s distributor, ordered massive amounts of reshoots, thus requiring a release date change. In addition, the World War Z budget exploded to over $250 million.

Take away points for the casting of has-been-who-never was, nor will be, Matthew Fox. Then add some points for casting James Badge Dale, who could become a B-list star if he gets some more roles.

Brad Pitt has a lot riding on the success of World War Z because it is his production company, PLAN B, that produced the movie.

The special effects are great, the cinematography is great, the script is tight and the acting is satisfactory.

If you like fantasy and sci-fi, this won’t disappoint, and if it does succeed at the box office, Brad Pitt has plans for at least two more World War Z movie sequels.

UPDATE September 1, 2013: World War Z defied expectations and became one of the biggest hits at the 2013 movie box office, with over $200 million in the U.S., alone. So expect to see the sequels in movie theaters sooner than later.